Gearing up for ‘Gateway to the North’

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF 2018), the largest Consumer Exhibition and Trade Fair in the fast-growing northern region of Sri Lanka, will be held from 26 to 28 January 2018 for the ninth consecutive year. The event aptly named as ‘Gateway to the North’ will be held at Jaffna Municipal Council Grounds.

JITF 2018 is organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services Ltd. (LECS) in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam (CCIY) with the support of Jaffna Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and International Business Council. The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Consulate General of India in Jaffna and National Chamber of Exporters, ASSOCHAM of India.

The exhibition is widely accepted as a ‘must-attend’ in the event-calendar of all stakeholders in the supply chain and in the procurement process.

The exhibition comprises both local and international stalls catering to a diverse variety of needs and services. In 2017 the event attracted an audience of over 60,000 visitors. It is considered the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens.

Co-Founder Chairman of JITF and Past President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam K. Pooranachandran says that this major event would be a great opportunity for business personnel to get involved in Jaffna development activities because there are major infrastructure development opportunities coming up in the Jaffna region shortly.

He said the massive infrastructure development currently underway in the region has paved way for many investment opportunities in the region for those who saw the potential at an early stage. “Still, a lot more new opportunities are there for others who would like to take the initiative,” he says. “Joint ventures, tie-ups, large orders have been the highlights of business matchmaking between the people from the south and north,” Pooranachandran said.

CEO Aasim Mukthar confirms that more than 350 booth-holders will exhibit more than 1,000 products to meet the demands.

The event will offer many attractions for visitors of all ages which include an amusement park for children, all types of food and beverage, hawker type food courts and special discounts on over 1,000 products. An hourly raffle draw will bring exciting prizes. Further, the event will provide free health check-ups and beauty consultant sessions. 

A special 75 member delegation from India will be visiting the event to explore the trade and investment opportunities. This delegation is sponsored and hosted by ASSOCHAM of India (The Associated Chamber of Commerce in India).

The region’s roads, electricity, bridges and all other core- facets are currently being developed as the Government endeavours to ensure the region is on par with many of the most potent business and lifestyle destinations in the world.The exhibition will feature the construction industry, hospitality industry, food, beverage and packing industry, automobile industry, ICT industry, financial services, Apparel & Textile, Agricultural, Consumer goods and many others, which will be on show during the three days.

The organisers have planned many concurrent events during the 2018 edition, some of the highlights will include, a road show prior to the expo, a children’s carnival and amusement park among other things. 

As the event is considered the one stop shop, many companies have come forward to assist by way of sponsorships. Main Sponsor of this event is S-Lon Lanka Ltd. Mobitel comes forward as the Official Telecommunication Partner, Official Roofing Partner is St. Anthony’s Industries Group Ltd., and Official Food Partner is Ruhunu Foods Ltd.

The event will be offering attractive packages for stall holders to participate. Please contact the organisers, LECS, Imalka Mullegama on [email protected] or visit www.jitf.lk for more information regarding the event.